Florida Bar clears Gulfcoast Legal Services chief of practicing law without a license

MANATEE — The Florida Bar has found “no evidence” that the executive director of Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc., a nonprofit that provides free legal aid to the poor, engaged in the unlicensed practice of law.

The Florida Bar announced its decision in a letter to the attorney of Kathleen Mullin, the agency’s executive director, who was the target of complaints that she had practiced law without a law license.

“The Sixth Circuit Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee 'A' closed the above-referenced case with a finding of no evidence of unlicensed practice of law,” the letter, dated Wednesday, said.

“Please note that the action in this case will not preclude future investigations in the event we receive additional complaints,” it added.

The letter was signed by Maria L. Torres, bar counsel for the Unlicensed Practice of Law Department in Tampa.

“Of course, I am personally thrilled, and we have been confident all along, but we’re grateful for the thorough investigation of the claims and the resolution thereof in our favor,” said Mullin.

Mullins on Wednesday said she had not offered legal opinions, but was involved in administrative matters only.

The agency serves poor clients from offices in Bradenton, Sarasota, Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7031. Follow her on Twitter @sarawrites.